In Fourteen Words Or Less

Sticks and stone may break your bones, but words … can completely change your life. And it doesn’t take many words.

Recognize these?
- “you end up in Iraq”
- “we’re ashamed”
- “Macaca”
- “What?”

The Iraq comment comes from former and potential future presidential candidate John Kerry, a Senator from Massachusetts. His comment was a botched joke that some people interpreted as meaning soldiers fighting in Iraq are of questionable intelligence. “… make an effort to be smart, … If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.” Regardless of his intent, the quote most likely ends his chances to be a candidate for President.

The “ashamed” quote was spoken by Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines on stage in England three years ago. "We're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." Her comment was spoken on stage in England just months after singing the National Anthem at a Super Bowl game but weeks after the President order an invasion of Iraq. A large number of country music fans didn’t like that, and now the group’s career is a shadow of it’s former self.

George Allen recently lost his bid for a second term as Senator from Virginia. Video of him saying “let's give a welcome to macaca, here" during his campaign may have contributed to his losing the election. He was referring to someone of “middle eastern” appearance at one of his campaign stops. The word macaca is an insult in some cultures.

Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sara Evans and Carrie Underwood were nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. The Country Music Association Awards Show broadcast showed newcomer Underwood and the three veterans on a split screen. Seconds after the presenter said, “and the winner is Carrie Underwood!” Faith started to wave her arms around as if she had won, then looked toward the camera with an angry, disbelieving face, shouted “What!” and ran out of camera view. Rumor has it she said other derogatory things; her web site says otherwise. Draw your own conclusion.


Careers can turn on a phrase. Maybe there should be a support group for celebrities who have made verbal missteps. John, Natalie, George and Faith could form a club of famous people who screwed up their career in fourteen words or less.